Challenge: Reward the company's top (2%) salespeople for exceeding company goals throughout the year. Ensure the attendees felt that all their needs are met and exceeded - to pamper them.

Solution: The program began 4 months prior to its execution when the attendees received the initial teaser mailing/invitation - a custom created 8-page newspaper which outlined the history and details of the Resort, as well as the activity offerings of the program. The newspaper also highlighted climate information, tips for packing, and tidbits on the Banff/Canadian Rockies area. With the teaser, each invitee received two bottles of Canadian whiskey. Upon arrival at the resort, styled after a Scottish baronial castle, they were welcomed to an exciting and relaxing week ahead with a luxurious welcome reception, guarded by Canadian Mounties.
Attendees were able to select from a myriad of activities each day, from the relaxing to the adventurous. Among the activities the attendees had to choose from were trout fishing, spelunking, whitewater rafting, guided nature walks, tours of the Columbia Ice Fields, painting classes, championship golf, and a world class European-style Spa. Each night, the guests were presented with creative amenity gifts to enhance their experience in Banff. They also attended group functions each evening, each with a unique theme.

Result: After reviewing all surveys from the attendees, we received a 95% satisfaction rating - about 5% were not keen on the cooler climate of the Canadian Rockies. By all accounts, the program was incredibly successful and enjoyed by all. Our meeting manager on this program still runs into attendees of the program and receives kudos on an amazing program.
During the planning phases of this program, we monitored the exchange rate between US and Canadian Dollars to determine the best time to make payments on hotel and event offerings. In doing so, we saved our client over $120,000 USD. Not to mention being able to provide each of the 130 couples with $1,500 CAN in pocket money. Yes, cash for frivolities, as all other meals and expenses were taken care of, courtesy of the host company.